U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, from the state of Idaho, submitted an article printed in the Idaho State Journal, titled "Honoring Gold Star Families".  It covers some of the accomplishments of the current Congress.  A link to the article is provided below.

https://www.idahostatejournal.com/opinion/columns/honoring-gold-star-families/article_4d806c67-7ddd-535d-8131-2be07ae835cd.html

A compilation of media coverage for the Arkansas Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Dedication that was held September 28, 2019 at the Arkansas State Capitol is now available.  Gold Star Wives participated in the event.

Click here to view the media compilation.

Participation in the following study was recommended by South East Region President Barbara Jones-Glaze. 

Stepping Forward in Grief study: a grief intervention project.
 
Updates will be provided at the study website: www.steppingforwardstudy.org.
 
If you would like to schedule a time for our staff to deliver a talk or presentation about the study or results from our ongoing work related to bereavement, both in military and civilian communities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
 
We are pleased to work alongside you in supporting the military survivor and veteran community.
 
Dr. Stephen Cozza & Dr. Katherine Shear

Good news for Gold Star Wives:

"The U.S. Senate moved closer yesterday to finally ending the Military Widow’s Tax that taxes military widows and widowers’ survivor benefits.

The Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to urge House-Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference committee members to include the Military Widow’s Tax Elimination Act of 2019 in the NDAA, which authorizes funding to equip, supply and train U.S. troops and support military families.

In a vote of 94-0, the Senate approved a Motion to Instruct measure in support of the bill being included in the annual defense bill. The House has already approved the widow’s tax provision in its version of the bill." 

You can view the entire news article here.

GSW member and officer Peggy Griffin is quoted in an article entitled "Veteran groups seek clarity for Gold Star families" published on August 28, 2019 in the Gloucester Daily Times. The issue pertains to the recognition of Gold Star Families regarding state benefits.  Click here to view the article.

Gateway Rotary of Olympia, Washington is hosting a Brats, Brews & Bands on September 7 with local music, tasty beverages and sensational food to support local charities including Gold Star Wives! The Gateway Rotary was established in 2011 and focuses entirely on service at both a local and international level. Business owners and leaders in the area are frequently members due to their connections to the community. The goal is to bring positive change to Thurston County, Washington. Read more about the event here.

Apple Valley, Minnesota welcomes a national motorcycle ride honoring fallen military service members. July 20th was the area's first time to host the riders known as "Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Northwest" made possible by the Apple Valley American Legion Post 1776.

To view the full news article covering this event which includes a nice review of "gold star" history, click here.

Abilene Texas Gold Star Wives were covered in a story by KTXS12 about the Dyess Memorial Park dedication. 

See the article and video here.

Please click here to view the presentation, "Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism, National Security Division," by Attorney Advisor, Andria Kerney: DOJ.pdf

Please click here to read the "Casualty and Mortuary Affairs" Update: DoD Update.pdf